—Fresh.Easy.Family.Recipes

Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

So it’s been a pretty bad day. It’s cold and rainy. My eye doctor said there has been little improvement to my left eyesight since the stroke, my left hand is cramping because of the damp weather so I am typing using just my index finger, and I am reminded all day of the hardships of this past year. So at noon I decided to cook because it was too early to drink wine, I had no idea what to pray, and the idea of cooking warm soup in my dim lit kitchen on this damp day sounded comforting. This is my favorite soup because of the simple and healthy ingredients. I have handed out the recipe several times to family and friends and have also brought it for dinner to new moms. It has no tomatoes and isn’t spicy so it’s good for nursing moms and kids love it. For a great simple supper, combine this with my fall pear salad and some crusty bread.

Creamy soup, crisp salad, and a glass of wine makes a great weeknight dinner.

In a dutch oven, saute onion, carrot, and celery in the butter until tender. Stir in the flour about one minute. Gradually add the broth. Stir in the cooked rice, shredded chicken, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium heat, cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in the milk and cook 3-5 minutes.

Katie’s Tips:
*I make this soup a day before serving because soup intensifies in flavor the longer it sits.

*Sometimes I take the carcass of the chicken and let it simmer in the chicken broth to add more flavor to the store bought broth, straining it when I’m done.

*I heat up the chicken broth in a separate saucepan while I sauté the vegetables. Adding hot broth into the soup helps it to thicken faster.

*A good verse to read on a bad day: Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”